As children, we usually traveled as a family down to the San JoaquinValley to spend Christmas with my
mother’s parents.

Our tree at home was decorated and under it were gifts for
each of us.Most often we would receive
a new sweater, new pajamas, and other needed clothing at Christmas.Mother would make a new doll dress for my old
doll and wrap up the doll - - clothes and all for me to open.Nestled under the tree were several small
surprise gifts that would keep us speculating and trying to guess what they
were.

“You must wait until we get back from our trip to visit
Grandma and Grandpa before you can open your presents,” mother told us.

We begged, “Please,” but mother held fast to her
decision.Finally she relented and said,
“You may each select ONE gift to open, but ONLY one.”

I carefully inspected the presents, and tried to consider what
each package might contain.One
mysterious package was shaped like a long triangle and it intrigued me.I wondered what it could be.At last I made my choice and picked up the
small triangular gift.

Carefully I opened it and to my disappointment it was a new
“Rat tailed comb.” I had wanted something more exciting, and I told mother so.

“You made your choice and it stands.” She let me know my decision was final.

I am reminded in life that we often believe something looks
good to our eyes but once we are able to view the inner core we are truly
unhappy with the results.Sometimes it
is a person, a friend, and other times it is something we think we need to
purchase.

Did you even get your self in a pickle that looked exciting
and discover to your sorrow and chagrin that disillusionment was your reward?

I suppose that if we would pray more before we leap, we
would not fall quite so far!

Mark 14:38 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.
The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

The gifts that will bless the longest in time are not
purchased with gold and silver but are given and received with love shown by
action.

This type of giving will not rust and decay but will
continue to be enjoyed as long as the gift is kept active.

How about giving some compliments, and good words to those
you love, for kind and loving words are always in season.Encouraging words will lift you up and never
pull you down!

I suppose I've had a few gifts that were disappointing, but then there were others that were such a wonderful surprise!! All I could think about when I was reading your delightful post, Hazel, was how I often come to the Lord telling Him what I want. Truth be told, if He answered all those requests, I'd be in sad shape. His gifts are always perfectly suited to our needs, and given through the perfect goodness of His love!

There is so much wisdom in your words, as usual. So many times, we miss God's blessings because they are not packaged as we think they should be. Or, as you said, something looks so beautiful on the outside, we mistake it for something He really wants for us and get ourselves in a world of trouble. So thankful for you and the steady encouragement you are to me. I shared your dear words with Zachary, and he was so encouraged by them. God bless you for ALL you do!

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About Me

I am a widow as of 04/14/17 when my husband Robert went to heaven. I am an ordained minister but am retired except for an occasional wedding or funeral. Sharing about Jesus is a passion and that is why this blog has been set up. I write true stories with a spiritual twist.